Ben Hinchcliff

I am a physiotherapist and enrolled barrister and solicitor of the High Court in New Zealand.

I have been a physiotherapist for over 20 years working in all areas, but mostly as a private musculoskeletal practitioner. I am the director of ACC Legal Limited. This company focuses on providing legal advice to claimants challenging ACC decisions and employment law. The primary focus is to help people navigate the ACC appeal process at review and in the District Court.

As I was a clinical advisor at ACC for 2 years, in the ACC32 and knee surgical request teams, I understand how ACC makes decisions and its culture. I understand why ACC makes their decisions and how to challenge those decisions.

I was previously the chairperson of the Auckland Branch of Physiotherapy New Zealand and co-chairperson of the Professional Practice Committee. I worked on these committees to help New Zealand physiotherapists to be excellent ethical and expert clinicians. As well as undergraduate LLB and BHSc (physiotherapy) I have a master’s degree in the Science of Administration and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

I have a contract to provide physiotherapy at the Auckland District Health Board, but most of my time is spent focusing on ACC and employment legal litigation. As most of my time is working on legal matters, I appreciate the complex nature of decision making.